Missouri City: a bedroom community. That is about the extent of my knowledge of Missouri City. And it isn’t hard to figure out; there is a sign as you come down Texas Parkway that says the population is 67,000+ and there are grocery stores, shopping strips, government buildings, CARS and houses. There are no high-rise office buildings, no hospital, no manufacturing. Most of the houses seem to have been built in the 70s and 80s and now south and west of here there are two large areas of even larger, very upscale houses being built. Yes, there is work someplace that pays very well and everyone drives there to work, and then drives home again to sleep – the typical bedroom community.
To tell the truth I haven’t thought much about its history, really didn’t think it had one. I thought that it is just another add-on to Houston as it spreads itself across the southern plains of Texas, but with a little internet search (thank goodness for Google search) I found out that the towns in this area date back into the mid 1800. That Missouri City itself sprang up as a railroad town. And that, what is now highway 90 was once its main street that ran parallel to the still existing and active railroad tracks. That, even then it was a bedroom community, its citizens taking the train to Sugarland to work in the sugar mills.
During this time the area also had farms, ranches, and sugar and tobacco plantations, (needing the train ) and around 1925 oil was found, and still more recently natural gas fields. (I am getting to the point….) One of the sugar plantation was owned by 
The Dew brothers, in fact it was called the Dew Brother Plantation. (!) The original home has been blown down, burned down, neglected and modified, but still stands. The city picked it up, lock stock and barrel, as we say in these parts, and moved it to Kitty Hollow Park and named it the Dewalt Heritage Center. It is now used for classes, weddings and other official functions. I need to go see the inside spaces. If the photos seem to be tilted this was soon after the house was dropped here and there were yellow/orange temporary keep out fences all around…. and I was walking the dog. “… sit Spritzer, sit, stay… NO sit – just sit for a minute….OK lets walk….”
That's a very beautiful house. And I love the white picket fence around it, and especially the red brick chimney.
ReplyDeleteThat red brick chimney is very striking next to the home. I find it amazing that they can move homes like it. I don't think we think about the history of where we live until we decided to investigate.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful history and great photos. I lived in a house that had been moved when I was a young girl. Our back door looked out onto the main street as the house was actually turned around and a new street was opened. It is amazing what can be done. Will be sending you an email soon as I get my thoughts straight on the issues.
ReplyDeleteIsn't Google terrific? It makes it so easy to do our research, doesn't it? You found an interesting house to tell us about. I think I'm lucky that my son travels so much in his job, he finds interesting places not many know about.
ReplyDeletelove that picket fence!
ReplyDeleteI actually enjoy when historic buildings are rescued and set up as gathering places. There are several around here - and I think I'll put together a series on them.
ReplyDeletelove that first photo and what a beautiful old home... our city did the same thing, we have Manatee Historical village with about 10 buildings they moved lock, stock and barrel...
ReplyDeletei dont' do FSO because i just post what ever pops in my head, and picking a subject ahead of time doesn't work for me.
Hey, gal! How ya doing? Though I should drop in and see what was cooking with you. Great photos, as usual. Love your banner. Hope all is well with you.
ReplyDeleteWhat ever happened to that cute trainer you had?